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March 24, 2026
研究yánjiū(yan2jiu1)
The term '研究' (yán jiū) refers to the process of conducting research or study, often in an academic or scientific context. It denotes a systematic investigation into a subject to discover or revise facts, theories, or applications. Commonly used in educational, scientific, and professional environments, it emphasizes depth and critical analysis.
Strokes16Frequency#941DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'研究' is a key term in Chinese education, reflecting the value placed on research and innovation. In China, extensive research is often seen as a pathway to advancement in academia and industry, aligning with the country's emphasis on education and technology.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scholar (the character '研' with its radical '石' meaning stone) hammering away at a stone to uncover hidden truths, symbolizing the rigorous process of research. The second character '究' suggests digging deeper (the radical '穴' for cave), much like a researcher digs into data to uncover insights.
Meanings of 研究
yánjiū(yan2jiu1)
1research
2a study
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About 研究
研究Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#941Frequency Rank
项Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 研究
Podcast: 研究
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AI Study Notes for 研究
Quick Contrast
探索 (tànsuǒ) - choose 研究 (yánjiū) when emphasizing systematic investigation, while 探索 (tànsuǒ) focuses more on exploration or discovery.
Usage Notes
When using '研究', ensure it is appropriate for formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional discussions. Common collocations include '研究课题' (research topic) and '研究方法' (research methods). Be careful with the tones; using the wrong tone may change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, '研究' connects with other academic and professional vocabulary, reinforcing themes of learning and inquiry. Focus on its usage in sentences to build a stronger understanding of context and collocations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '研究' with '学习' (xué xí), which means 'to study' in a more general sense. For example, saying '我研究中文' incorrectly implies conducting research rather than just learning Chinese, which should be '我学习中文'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 研究
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The term '研究' (yán jiū) refers to the process of conducting research or study, often in an academic or scientific context. It denotes a systematic investigation into a subject to discover or revise facts, theories, or applications. Commonly used in educational, scientific, and professional environments, it emphasizes depth and critical analysis.
When to use 研究
When using '研究', ensure it is appropriate for formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional discussions. Common collocations include '研究课题' (research topic) and '研究方法' (research methods). Be careful with the tones; using the wrong tone may change the meaning significantly.
研究 or something close to it
探索 (tànsuǒ) - choose 研究 (yánjiū) when emphasizing systematic investigation, while 探索 (tànsuǒ) focuses more on exploration or discovery.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '研究' with '学习' (xué xí), which means 'to study' in a more general sense. For example, saying '我研究中文' incorrectly implies conducting research rather than just learning Chinese, which should be '我学习中文'.
Write 研究
研
究
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Grammar Patterns of 研究
研究 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The society was looking for a capable research worker.
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Frequently Asked Questions about 研究
'研究' (yán jiū) refers to in-depth research or study, while '调查' (diào chá) typically means to investigate or survey, often with a focus on gathering data.
'研究' is generally more formal and is better suited for academic or professional contexts; in casual conversations, you might opt for simpler terms.
The measure word for '研究' is '项' (xiàng), so you would say '一项研究' for 'a study'.
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